Camera performing photographing in accordance with photographing mode depending on object scene

ABSTRACT

A camera includes a CPU. The CPU individually detects a ratio of an object which exceeds a threshold value in a moving amount to a center area of an object scene and a ratio of an object which exceeds the threshold value in the moving amount to a peripheral area of the object scene. If differences between the respective detected ratios are large, the CPU sets a photographing mode to a sports mode. When a shutter button is operated, the object scene is photographed in accordance with a set photographing mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a camera. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a camera which performs photographing(image capturing) in accordance with a photographing mode (imagecapturing mode) depending upon object scenes when a photographingoperation (image capturing operation) is performed.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As a conventional camera, there is a camera provided with a sports modesuitable for photographing an object with an intensive movement. In thephotographing mode, a program diagram is corrected such that an apertureis opened and an exposure time is shortened, and whereby, it is possibleto sharply photograph the object with intensive movement. However, inthe prior art, there is a need to manually set the photographing mode,and there is a problem in operability.

Furthermore, as another conventional camera, there is a camera providedwith a night scene mode suitable for photographing a night scene. In thephotographing mode, the program diagram is corrected so thatilluminations are highlighted, and whereby, it is possible to sharplyphotograph the night scene. However, in the prior art, there is a needto manually set the photographing mode, and there is a problem inoperability.

Furthermore, as the other conventional camera, there is a cameraprovided with an evening scene mode suitable for photographing a eveningscene. In the photographing mode, the program diagram is corrected suchthat an aperture is closed and an exposure time is extended, and a whitebalance adjustment gain is set such that red is emphasized. Thus, it ispossible to sharply photograph the evening scene. However, there is aneed to manually set the photographing mode, and there is a problem ofoperability.

In addition, as further conventional camera, there is a camera providedwith a portrait mode suitable for photographing a face of a person. Inthe photographing mode, a program diagram is corrected such that anaperture is opened and an exposure time is shortened, and the whitebalance adjustment gain is corrected such that a change of a skin colorof the person is prevented. Thus, it is possible to photograph the facewith a healthy expression in a state of backgrounds blurred. However, inthe prior art, there is a need to manually set the photographing mode,and there is a problem in operability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a main object of the present invention to provide acamera capable of improving operability.

According to the present invention, a camera performing photographing inaccordance with a photographing mode corresponding to an object scenewhen a photographing operation is performed comprises: a first ratiodetector for detecting a first ratio of an object exceeding a firstthreshold value in a moving amount to a center area of the object scene;a second ratio detector for detecting a second ratio of an objectexceeding a second threshold value in the moving amount to a peripheralarea of the object scene; and a determiner for determining thephotographing mode on the basis of the first ratio and the second ratio.

The first ratio detector detects the first ratio of the object exceedingthe first threshold value in the moving amount to the center area of theobject scene, and the second ratio detector detects the second ratio ofthe object exceeding the second threshold value in the moving amount tothe peripheral area of the object scene. The photographing mode isdetermined by the determiner on the basis of the first ratio and thesecond ratio. When the photographing operation is performed, the objectscene is photographed in a determined photographing mode.

How the object moves in the peripheral area of the object scene and howthe object moves in the center area of the object scene are clues fordetermining the object scene. This is the reason why the photographingmode is determined on the basis of the first ratio detected in theperipheral area and the second ratio detected in the center area in thisinvention. Thus, it is possible to improve operability of the camera.

Preferably, when a difference between the first ratio and the secondratio is large, the photographing mode is set to the sports mode.

If a first image signal of the object scene photographed just before aphotographing operation is performed and a second image signal of theobject scene photographed immediately after the photographing operationis performed are detected as a moving amount, responsivity is improved.

If a message corresponding to the photographing mode determined by thedeterminer is output, an operator can easily determine whether or notthe photographing mode is a desired mode.

According to the present invention, a camera performing photographing inaccordance with a photographing mode corresponding to an object scenecomprises a first detector for detecting an average luminance of theobject scene; a second detector for detecting a ratio of a highluminance area to the object scene; and a determiner for determining thephotographing mode on the basis of the average luminance and the ratio.

The average luminance of the object scene is detected by the firstdetector, and the ratio of the high luminance area to the object sceneis detected by the second detector. The photographing mode is determinedby the determiner on the basis of the detected average luminance andratio.

The average luminance of the object scene and the ratio of the highluminance area to the object scene become clues for identifying theobject scene. This is a reason why the photographing mode is determinedon the basis of the detected average luminance and the ratio. Thus, itis possible to improve operability of the camera.

Preferably, when the average luminance is small and the ratio is large,the photographing mode is set to the night scene mode.

It is noted that if a message corresponding to the photographing modedetermined by the determiner is output, the operator can easilydetermine whether or not the photographing mode is a desired mode.

According to the present invention, a camera performing photographing ina photographing mode corresponding to an object scene comprises a ratiodetector for detecting a ratio of a high luminance evening scene colorarea to a defined area formed in a cross shape in the object scene; aluminance difference detector for detecting a luminance differencebetween periphery areas opposed with each other in the object scene; anda determiner for determining the photographing mode on the basis of theratio and the luminance difference.

The ratio of the high luminance evening scene color area to the definedarea formed in a cross shape in the object scene is detected by theratio detector. Furthermore, the luminance difference between theperiphery areas opposed with each other in the object scene is detectedby the luminance difference detector. The determiner determines thephotographing mode on the basis of the detected ratio and the luminancedifference. The object scene is photographed by the determinedphotographing mode.

The ratio of the high luminance evening scene color area to the definedarea formed in a cross shape in the object scene is a clue foridentifying the object scene. This is a reason why, in the presentinvention, the photographing mode is determined on the basis of thedetected ratio and luminance difference, and whereby, it is possible toimprove operability of the camera.

Preferably, when the luminance difference and the ratio are large, thephotographing mode is set to the evening scene mode.

It is noted that if a message corresponding to the photographing modedetermined by the determiner is output, the operator can easilydetermine whether or not the photographing mode is a desired mode.

According to the present invention, a camera for performingphotographing in accordance with a photographing mode corresponding toan object scene comprises a first measure for measuring a distance to amain object existing in the object scene; a specifier for specifyingfrom the object scene a face area to be occupied by a face of a personon the basis of a distance measured by the first measure; a detector fordetecting a skin color area of the object scene; and a determiner fordetermining the photographing mode on the basis of a relationshipbetween the face area and the skin color area.

When the distance to the main object existing in the object scene ismeasured by the first measure, the specifier specifies the face area tobe occupied by the face of the person from the object scene on the basisof the measured distance. On the other hand, the skin area of the objectscene is detected by the detector. The photographing mode is determinedby the determiner on the basis of a relationship between the face areaand the skin color area, and whereby, it is possible to improveoperability of the camera.

Since a size of the face of the person is assumed in advance, when thedistance to the main object is measured, it is possible to specify theface area from the object scene. The photographing mode is determined onthe basis of a relation between the face area and skin color area of theobject scene thus specified. Thus, it is possible to improve operabilityof the camera.

In a case a zoom lens is provided, the distance to the main object maybe measured on the basis of a position of the zoom lens.

Preferably, an optical image of the object scene through the focus lensis incident to the light-receiving surface of the image sensor, and adistance between the focus lens and the light-receiving surface isdetermined by a second measure. The specifier specifies the face area ofan object scene image projected on the light-receiving surface on thebasis of the distance to the main object and the distance between thefocus lens and the light-receiving surface.

Preferably, the determiner determines a size of a first skin color areaincluded in the face area and a size of a second color skin areaexcluded from the face area, and the photographing mode is set to theportrait mode on the basis of the sizes of the first skin color area andthe second skin color area.

If a message corresponding to the photographing mode determined by thedeterminer is output, the operator can easily determine whether or notthe photographing mode is a desired mode.

The above described objects and other objects, features, aspects andadvantages of the present invention will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the present invention when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one example of a configuration of asignal processing circuit applied to FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of blocks formed on ascreen;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of a mapping state ofan SDRAM applied to FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of an operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the other part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a further part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the other part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a further part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing a part of the operation of FIG.1 embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing one example of a sports scene;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a graph showing a relationship between a zoom lens position,a focus lens position and a distance to an object.

FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing a part of the operation of theFIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 19 is an illustrative view showing a distribution state of colorevaluation values;

FIG. 20 is an illustrative view showing a part of the operation of FIG.1 embodiment;

FIG. 21 is an illustrative view showing one example of a portrait scene;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the other part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 25 is an illustrative view showing a part of the operation of FIG.1 embodiment;

FIG. 26 is an illustrative view showing another part of the operation ofFIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 27 is an illustrative view showing a distribution state of colorevaluation values;

FIG. 28 is an illustrative view showing one example of an evening scene;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of FIG. 1embodiment; and

FIG. 31 is an illustrative view showing one example of a night scene.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a digital camera 10 of this embodiment includes azoom lens 12, a focus lens 14, an aperture system 16 and a shuttersystem 18. An optical image of an object scene is incident to alight-receiving surface of an image sensor 20 through such the members.The number of effective pixels on the image sensor 20 is approximately 4million, and the light-receiving surface has 2300 pixels and 1740 linesin horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The light receivingsurface is covered with a color filter (not shown) in which Cy (cyan) Ye(yellow) Mg (magenta) and G (green) is arranged in a mosaic fashion, andeach pixel of a raw image signal generated by a photoelectric conversionhas color information of Cy, Ye, Mg or G.

When a power is turned on, a CPU 32 instructs a TG (Timing Generator 30)to perform vertical thin-out reading to ⅙, and sets a horizontal zoommagnification and a vertical zoom magnification of a zoom circuit 34into “¼” and “1”, respectively so as to display a real-time motion image(through image) of an object on a monitor 44. The TG 30 performs thethin-out reading on the image sensor 20, and whereby, a raw image signalhaving 2300 pixels×290 lines in which a line formed by Cy and Ye and aline formed by Mg and G are alternately included is output from theimage sensor 20 at a ratio of one frame to 1/30 seconds.

The raw image signal of each frame output from the image sensor 20 issubjected to a noise removal and a level adjustment by a CDS/AGC circuit22. An A/D converter 24 converts the raw image signal output from theCDS/AGC circuit 22 to a digital signal. At a time the power is turnedon, a switch SW1 is connected to a terminal S1, whereby the raw imagesignal output from the A/D converter 24 is input to a signal processingcircuit 26 via the switch SW1.

The signal processing circuit 26 is configured as shown in FIG. 2. Eachpixel forming the raw image signal has information of only one color outof Cy, Ye, Mg and G, and therefore, color information lacking in each ofpixels is complemented by a color separation circuit 26 a at first. AnRGB conversion circuit 26 b performs an RGB conversion on acomplementary color image signal output from the color separationcircuit 26 a, and a white balance adjustment circuit 26 c performs awhite balance adjustment on a primary color image signal output form theRGB conversion circuit 26 b. The primary color image signal having beensubjected to the white balance adjustment is converted into a YUV signalby a YUV conversion circuit 26 d. The generated YUV signal composed ofY:U:V has a ratio of 4:2:2.

The primary color image signal output from the white balance adjustmentcircuit 26 c is input to an integration circuit 26 e, and a Y signalforming the YUV signal output from the YUV conversion circuit 26 d isalso applied to an integration circuit 26 f. Referring to FIG. 3, anobject scene (screen) is divided into 16 in vertical and horizontaldirections and has blocks of 256 on the screen. A vertical positionnumber i(=0˜15) and a horizontal position number j(=0˜15) are assignedto each of blocks.

The integration circuit 26 d integrates each of R signal, G signal and Bsignal forming the primary color signal at every block, and theintegration circuit 26 f integrates the Y signal at every block. Thus,integral values r(i,j) of 256 with respect to the R signal, integralvalues g(i,j) of 256 with respect to the G signal and integral valuesb(i,j) of 256 with respect to the B signal are output from theintegration circuit 26 e at every one frame of period, and integralvalues y(i,j) of 256 with respect to the Y signal are output from theintegration circuit 26 f at every one frame of period.

Returning to FIG. 1, the YUV signal output from the signal processingcircuit 26 is applied to the zoom circuit 34. The YUV signal has aresolution of 2300 pixels×290 lines and the horizontal zoommagnification and the vertical zoom magnification of the zoom circuit 34are set to “¼” and “1”, respectively, and therefore, the YUV signalhaving 575 pixels×290 lines is output from the zoom circuit 34.

The YUV signal output from the zoom circuit 34 is written to a displayimage area 38 a (see FIG. 4) of an SDRAM 38 by a memory control circuit36, and then, read from the display image area 38 a by the memorycontrol circuit 36. The resolution of the read YUV signal is convertedinto 575 pixels×580 lines by a pseudo framing circuit 40, and theconverted YUV signal is encoded into a composite video signal of 640pixels×480 lines by a video encoder 42. The encoded composite videosignal is applied to the monitor 44 and consequently, the through imageof the object is displayed on the screen.

The integral values y(i,j) of 256 output from the integration circuit 26f shown in FIG. 2 is fetched by the CPU 32 and set to a register rgst1.The integral values y(i,j) are generated at every one frame of period,and therefore, a setting value of the register rgst1 is renewed at everyone frame of period.

When a zoom button 56 is operated, a state signal corresponding theretois applied from a system controller 52 to the CPU 32. The CPU 32controls a driver 28 a and whereby, the zoom lens 12 is moved to anoptical axis direction. The zoom magnification of the through imagedisplayed on the monitor 44 is varied in response to an operation of azoom button 56.

When a shutter button 54 is half-depressed, a state signal correspondingthereto is applied from the system controller 52 to the CPU 32. The CPU32 sets the integral values y(i,j) of 256 output from the integrationcircuit 26 f after half-depressing the shutter button 54 to a registerrgst2. Consequently, successive two frames of the integral values y(i,j)can be obtained within the registers rgst1 and rgst2. The CPU 32calculates a possibility that the object scene is a sports scene on thebasis of the integral values y(i,j) thus obtained.

After completion of determining a possibility of the sports scene, theCPU 32 performs a focus adjustment. The focus lens 14 moves in theoptical axis direction by a driver 28 b and set to a focal point. Aftercompletion of the focus adjustment, the CPU 32 sets the integral valuesr(i,j), g(i,j) and b(i,j) output from the integration circuit 26 e andthe integral values y(i,j) output from the integration circuit 26 e in aregister rgst3. After completion of fetching one frame of the integralvalues r(i,j), g(i,j), b(i,j) and y(i,j), the CPU 32 determinespossibilities of a portrait scene, an evening scene and a night scene.

The possibility of the portrait scene is calculated on the basis of adistance from the zoom lens 12 to a main object, a distance between thefocus lens 14 and the image sensor 20 and the integral values r(i,j),g(i,j) and b(i,j) set in the register rgst3. Furthermore, thepossibility of the evening scene is calculated on the basis of theintegral values r(i,j), g(i,j), b(i,j) and y(i,j) set in the registerrgst3. In addition, the possibility of the night scene is calculated onthe basis of the integral values y(i,j) set in the register rgst3.

When the possibilities of the sports scene, the portrait scene, theevening scene and the night scene is thus calculated, a scene having ahighest possibility is decided to be an object scene. A camera setting,that is, a photographing mode is varied depending upon a decided sceneand a message corresponding to the decided scene is displayed on themonitor 44.

When the sports scene is decided, the CPU 32 corrects a program diagramfor exposure adjustment so as to allow an object with motion to besharply photographed. This makes the photographing mode shift to thesports mode. When the portrait scene is decided, the CPU 32 corrects theprogram diagram so as to blur away backgrounds and corrects a whitebalance adjustment gain so as to prevent a change of a skin color of aperson. This makes the photographing mode shift to the portrait mode.When the evening scene is decided, the CPU 32 corrects the programdiagram so as to allow a distant view to be sharply photographed, andthe white balance adjustment gain is corrected to as to prevent a changeof a color of sunset. This makes the photographing mode shift to theevening scene mode. When the night scene is decided, the CPU 32 correctsthe program diagram so as to highlight illuminations. This makes thephotographing mode shift to the night mode.

Whichever scene is decided, the program diagram is corrected.Accordingly, after completion of identifying the scenes, the CPU 32adjusts an amount of aperture and an exposure time on the basis of theintegral values y(i,j) set in the register rgst2 and the correctedprogram diagram.

When the shutter button 54 is full-depressed after completion of suchthe exposure adjustment, a state signal corresponding thereto is appliedfrom the system controller 52 to the CPU 32. The CPU 32 performs aphotographing process. More specifically, the CPU 32 instructs the TG 30to perform a main exposure and at a time the main exposure is completed,drives the shutter system 16 by a driver 28 d. Driving of the shuttersystem 16 intercepts an incident light. Furthermore, the CPU 32instructs the TG 30 to read out all the pixels so as to output from theimage sensor 20 one frame of raw image signal obtained by the mainexposure. Thus, the raw image signal of 2300 pixels×1740 lines is readfrom the image sensor 20 by an interlace scan manner.

The raw image signal is applied to the memory control circuit 36 via theCDS/AGC circuit 22 and the A/D converter 24 and written to a raw imagearea 38 b (see FIG. 4) of the SDRAM 38 by the memory control circuit 36.The raw image signal of 2300 pixels×1740 lines is an interlace scansignal and therefore, an odd field signal is stored in a first half ofthe raw image area 38 b and an even field signal is stored in a latterhalf of the raw image area 38 b. That is, the raw image area 38 b isformed with an odd filed area and an even filed area.

After completion of writing to the raw image area 38 b, the memorycontrol circuit 36 alternately reads the raw image signal from the oddfield area and the even field area. Thus, the interlace scan signal isconverted into a progressive scan signal. The switch SW1 is connected toa terminal S2 at a time the shutter button 54 is full-depressed.Therefore, the raw image signal read by the memory control circuit 36 isapplied to the signal processing circuit 22 via the switch SW1. A seriesof processes such as color separation, RGB conversion, white balanceadjustment and YUV conversion is executed in the signal processingcircuit 22, and whereby, the YUV signal of 2300 pixels×1740 lines(primary YUV signal) is generated.

The horizontal zoom magnification and the vertical zoom magnification ofthe zoom circuit 34 are set to “¼” and “⅙”, respectively at a time theshutter button 54 is full-depressed. Therefore, the resolution of theYUV signal output from the signal processing circuit 22 is convertedfrom 2300 pixels×1740 lines to 575 pixels×290 lines. The YUV signal of575 pixels×290 lines output from the zoom circuit 34 is written to thedisplay image area 38 a shown in FIG. 4 by the memory control circuit36. Thereafter, the same process as in a case of displaying the throughimage is performed, and whereby, a freeze image at a time of operatingthe shutter button 54 is displayed on the monitor 44.

The primary YUV signal of 2300 pixels×1740 lines output from the signalprocessing circuit 26 is further directly applied to the memory controlcircuit 36 and written to a primary image area 38 c (see FIG. 4) of theSDRAM 38 by the memory control circuit 36. After completion of writing,the CPU 32 creates a resized YUV signal of 160 pixels×120 lines on thebasis of the primary YUV signal of 2300 pixels×1740 lines. Morespecifically, the CPU 32 accesses the SDRAM 38 via the memory controlcircuit 36 and generates the resized YUV signal by a software process.The generated resized YUV signal is written to the resized image area 38d (see FIG. 4) of the SDRAM 38.

The memory control circuit 36 reads the primary YUV signal and theresized YUV signal from the SDRAM 38 and applies each of YUV signals toa JPEG codec 46. The JPEG codec 46 compresses the applied primary YUVsignal and resized YUV signal according to a JPEG format so as togenerate a compressed primary YUV signal and a compressed resized YUVsignal. The generated compressed primary YUV signal and the compressedresized YUV signal are respectively written to a compressed primaryimage area 38 e and a compressed resized image area 38 f (see FIG. 4) bythe memory control circuit 36.

After completion of the photographing process, the CPU 32 executes arecording process. More specifically, the CPU 32 accesses the SDRAM 38via the memory control circuit 36 and reads the compressed primary YUVsignal and the compressed resized YUV signal from the compressed primaryimage area 38 e and the compressed resized image area 38 f,respectively. The CPU 32 further records on a recording medium 50 theread compressed primary YUV signal and the compressed resized YUV signalin accordance with a file format. It is noted the recording medium 50 isdetachable, and access to the recording medium 50 is performed via anI/F 48.

The CPU 32 specifically executes a control program corresponding toflowcharts shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 12, FIG. 15 to FIG. 16, FIG. 22 toFIG. 24 and FIG. 29 to FIG. 30. It is noted that the control program isstored in a ROM 58.

First, a display system is started-up in a step S1 shown in FIG. 5. Morespecifically, the TG 30 is instructed to perform the thin-out reading,and the horizontal zoom magnification and the vertical zoommagnification of the zoom circuit 34 are set to “¼” and “1”,respectively. Thus, a through image of the object is displayed on themonitor 44.

It is determined whether or not a vertical synchronization signal of 30fps is generated from the TG 30 in a step S3, and if “YES”, an integralvalue fetching process 1 is executed in a step S5. Thus, the integralvalues y(i,j) of 256 respectively corresponding to the blocks of 256shown in FIG. 3 are set in the register rgst1. It is determined whetheror not the shutter button 54 is half-depressed in a step S7, and it isdetermined whether or not the zoom button 56 is operated in a step S9.When the zoom button 56 is operated, the process proceeds from the stepS9 to a step S11 so as to move the zoom lens 12 in the optical axisdirection by controlling the driver 28 a. After completion of theprocess in the step S11, the process returns to the step S3.

When the shutter button 54 is half-depressed, “YES” is determined in thestep S7 and an integral value fetching process 2 is performed in a stepS13. Thus, the integral values y(i,j) of 256 are set in the registerrgst2. A possibility of the object scene being the sports scene isdetermined on the basis of the integral values y(i,j) of successive 2frames set in the registers rgst1 and rgst2 in a step S15. Thepossibility is expressed in a percentage.

After completion of the process in the step S15, a focus adjustment isperformed in a step S17. More specifically, the focus lens 14 is movedin the optical axis direction by controlling the driver 28 b, andwhereby, the focus lens 14 is set to a focal point. After completion ofthe focus adjustment, a vertical synchronization signal is waited andthen, the process proceeds from a step S19 to a step S21 so as to fetchthe integral values r(i,j), g(i,j), b(i,j) and y(i,j) from the signalprocessing circuit 26. The fetched integral values r(i,j), g(i,j),b(i,j) and y(i,j) are set in the register rgst3.

In a step S23, a possibility of the object scene being a portrait sceneis determined on the basis of the distance from the zoom lens 12 to themain object, the distance between the focus lens 14 and the image sensor20 and the integral values r(i,j), g(i,j) and b(i,j) set in the registerrgst3. In a step S25, a possibility of the object scene being theevening scene is determined on the basis of the integral values r(i,j),g(i,j), b(i,j) and y(i, j) set in the register rgst3. In a step S27, apossibility of the object scene being the night scene is determined onthe basis of the integral values y(i,j) set in the register rgst3. It isnoted that, similar to the above case, its possibility is expressed inthe percentage.

In a step S29, the highest percentage of possibility is specified out ofthe possibilities required in the steps S15, S23, S25 and S27, and ascene corresponding to the specified possibility is decided to be theobject scene. In the step S29, a camera setting (photographing modesetting) corresponding to the decided scene is also performed. When theobject scene is decided to be the sports scene, the program diagram iscorrected so as to allow the object with motion to be sharplyphotographed (sports mode setting). When the object scene is decided tobe the portrait scene, the program diagram is corrected so as to bluraway backgrounds, and a white balance adjustment gain is corrected so asto prevent a change of a skin color of a person (portrait mode setting).When the object scene is decided to be the evening scene, the programdiagram is corrected so as to allow a distant view to be sharplyphotographed, and the white balance adjustment gain is corrected so asto prevent a change of a color of sunset (evening scene mode setting).When the object scene is decided to be the night scene, the programdiagram is corrected so as to highlight the illuminations (night scenemode setting).

In a step S31, a character generator (not shown) is driven so as todisplay a character corresponding to the decided scene on the monitor 44in an OSD manner. There is a possibility of an error identification ofthe object scene by an automatic identification, and therefore, anoperator is informed which scene is decided by a visual message in thisembodiment. This improves operability. It is noted that although adetailed description is omitted, setting of the sports scene, theportrait scene, the evening scene and the night scene is changeable inresponse to a manual operation by the operator.

In a step S33, an optimal aperture amount and an optimal exposure timeare specified on the basis of the integral values y(i,j) set in theregister rgst2 and the program diagram corrected by the camera settingin the step S29, and the optimal aperture amount is set to the aperturesystem 16 by a driver 28 c. The shutter system 18 is driven after alapse of the optimal exposure time from the start of the primaryexposure in a step S39 described later.

It is determined whether or not the shutter button 54 is full-depressedin a step S35, and it is determined whether or not the operation of theshutter button 54 is canceled in a step S37. When the shutter button 54is full-depressed, a photographing/recording process is performed in thestep S37, and then, the process returns to the step S1. The object imageis recorded on the recording medium 50 by the photographing process andthe recording process. When the operation of the shutter button 54 iscanceled, the process returns to the step S1 without performing thephotographing/recording process.

The integral value fetching process 1 in the step S5 complies with asubroutine shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. First, a vertical position numberi is set to “4” in a step S41, and a horizontal position number j is setto “4” in a step S43. The integral value y(i, j) is read from theregister rgst1 in a step S45, and the integral value y(i,j) is set to aregister rgst4 as a specific integral value Ysp1(i,j). The horizontalposition number j is incremented in a step S47, and the incrementedhorizontal position number j is compared with “12” in a step S49. Then,for j<12, the process returns to the step S45 while for j=12, thevertical position number i is incremented in a step S51, and theincremented vertical position number i is compared with “12” in a stepS53. Herein, for i<12, the process returns to the step S43 while fori=12, the process proceeds to a step S55.

The vertical position number i is set to “0” in the step S55, and thehorizontal position number j is set to “0” in a following step S57. Itis determined whether or not the vertical position number i and thehorizontal position number j respectively satisfy conditions of 0<i<15and 0<j<15 in a step S59. When the both conditions are satisfied, theprocess directly proceeds to a step S63. On the other hand, when any oneof the above-described conditions is not satisfied, the integral valuey(i,j) of the register rgst1 is set to the register rgst4 as thespecific integral value Ysp1(i,j), and then, the process proceeds to thestep S63. The horizontal position number j is incremented in the stepS63, and the incremented horizontal position number j is compared with“16” in a following step S65. Then, for j<16, the process returns to thestep S59 while for j=16, the process proceeds to a step S67. Thevertical position number i is incremented in the step S67, and theincremented vertical position number i is compared with “16” in a stepS69. Then, for i<16, the process returns to the step S57 while for i=16,the process is restored to an upper hierarchical level of a routine.

Through such the processes, a total of 124 of specific integral valuesYsp1(i,j) relating to 64 blocks forming a center area CTR1 and 60 blocksforming a peripheral area PER1 shown in FIG. 13 are required.

The integral value fetching process 2 in the step S13 shown in FIG. 5complies with a subroutine shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. It is noted thatthis subroutine is the same as the subroutine shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8except that the integral value y(i,j) stored in the register rgst2 isset to the register rgst2 as a specific integral value Ysp2(i,j), andtherefore, a duplicated description is omitted. Through this process,the specific integral values Ysp2(i,j) of 124 forming the center areaCTR1 and a peripheral area PER1 shown in FIG. 13 are required.

A possibility determination process in the step S15 shown in FIG. 5complies with a subroutine in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. First, variables Cctrand Cper are set to “0” in a step S101, and the vertical position numberi and the horizontal position number j are set to “4” in steps S103 andS105, respectively. A difference absolute value ΔYsp(i,j) between thespecific integral value Ysp1(i,j) and Ysp2(i,j) are calculated accordingto an equation 1 in a step S107, and the calculated difference absolutevalue ΔYsp(i,j) is compared with a threshold value Yth1 in a followingstep S109.ΔYsp(i,j)=|Ysp1(i,j)−Ysp2(i,j)|  [equation 1]

If ΔYsp(i,j)≧Yth1, “YES” is determined in the step S109, and thevariable Cctr is incremented in a step S111 and then, the processproceeds to a step S113. On the other hand, if ΔYsp(i,j)<Yth1, “NO” isdetermined in the step S109, and the process directly proceeds to thestep S113.

The horizontal position number j is incremented in the step S113, andthe incremented horizontal position number j is compared with “12” in astep S115. Then, if j<12, the process returns to the step S107 while ifj=12, the process proceeds to a step S117. The vertical position numberi is incremented in the step S117, and the incremented vertical positionnumber i is compared with “12” in a step S119. Then, if i<12, theprocess returns to the step S105, and if i=12, the process proceeds to astep S121.

The difference absolute values ΔYsp(i,j) calculated in the step S107 iscorresponding to a moving amount of the object in each block forming thecenter area CRT1. If the moving amount is large, “YES” is determined inthe step S109, and the variable Cctr is incremented. Accordingly, as aratio of an object having a large moving amount to the center area CTR1is large, the variable Cctr indicates a large value.

The vertical position number i is set to “0” in the step S121, and thehorizontal position number j is set to “0” in a following step S123. Itis determined whether or not the vertical position number i and thehorizontal position number j satisfy 0<i<15 and 0<j<15, respectively,and if both conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to a stepS131 while any one of the conditions is not satisfied, the processdirectly proceeds to a step S126. The difference absolute valueΔYsp(i,j) between the specific integral values Ysp1(i,j) and Ysp2(i,j)is calculated according to the above-described equation 1 in the stepS126, and the calculated difference absolute value ΔYsp(i,j) is comparedwith a threshold value Yth1 in a following step S127. Then, ifΔYsp(i,j)≧Yth, a variable Cper is incremented in the step S129, andthen, the process proceeds to a step S131 while if ΔYsp(i,j)<Yth, theprocess directly proceeds to the step S131.

The horizontal position number j is incremented in the step S131, andthe incremented horizontal position number j is compared with “16” in astep S133. Then, if j<16, the process returns to the step S125 while ifj=16, the process proceeds to a step S135. The vertical position numberi is incremented in the step S135, and the incremented vertical positionnumber i is compared with “16” in a step S137. Then, if i<16, theprocess returns to the step S123, and if i=16, the process proceeds to astep S139.

The difference absolute value ΔYsp(i,j) calculated in the step S126 iscorresponding to a moving amount of the object in each block (i,j)forming the peripheral area PER1. If the moving amount is large, “YES”is determined in the step S127, and the variable Cper is incremented.Accordingly, as a ratio of an object having a large moving amount to theperipheral area PER1 is large, the variable Cper indicates a largevalue.

In the step S139, a possibility Psprt that is a possibility the objectscene being the sports scene is calculated according to equations 2 to4. When the possibility Psprt is calculated, the process is restored toan upper hierarchical level of a routine.Rcrt=Cctr/64*100   [equation 2]Rper=Cper/60*100   [equation 3]Psprt=Rctr-a*Rper   [equation 4]

-   -   a: constant

The number of blocks forming the center area CTR1 is “64”, and thenumber of blocks forming the peripheral area PER1 is “60”. Therefore,when the variable Cctr is divided by “64” and the divided value ismultiplied by “100”, a ratio Rctr of an object having a large movingamount to the center area CTR1 is required. Furthermore, when thevariable Cper is divided by “60” and the divided value is multiplied by“100”, a ratio Rper of an object having a large moving amount to theperipheral area PER1 is required. Since there is a need to exclude amovement of a whole object scene for the purpose of identifying amovement of only the object existing in the center area CRT1, the ratioRper is multiplied by the constant a, and the multiplied value a * Rperis subtracted from the ratio Rctr. Thus, the possibility Psprt isrequired as a percentage. When photographing a scene in which a baseballpitcher throws a ball as shown in FIG. 14, the possibility Psprtindicates a high numeral value.

A possibility determination process in the step S23 shown in FIG. 6complies with a subroutine shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. First,positions of the zoom lens 12 and the focus lens 14 are detected in astep S141, and a distance L1 from the zoom lens 12 to the main objectand a distance L2 between the focus lens 14 and the image sensor 20 aredetected in steps S143 and step S145, respectively (see FIG. 18).

The ROM 58 is stored with a graph shown in FIG. 17. According to FIG.17, a horizontal axis and a vertical axis are positions of the zoom lens12 and the focus lens 14, respectively. The position of the zoom lens 12is expressed by the number of the steps of the stepping motor (notshown) provided in the driver 28 a, and the position of the focus lens14 is expressed by the number of the steps of the stepping motor (notshown) provided in the driver 28 b. A plurality of curves A to Idepending upon distances to the main object are depicted on a planeformed by the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. Each of the curvesA to I indicates a relation of lens positions when distances to theobject is 0.4 m, 0.5 m, 0.6 m, 0.8 m, 1.0 m, 1.5 m, 2.0 m, 3.0 m and aninfinity far (∞), respectively.

Accordingly, in the step S143, the distance L1 is detected on the basisof the positions of the zoom lens 12 and the focus lens 14 required inthe step S141 and the graph shown in FIG. 17. Furthermore, in the stepS145, the distance L2 is detected from the position of the focus lens 14required in the step S141.

In a step S147, the number of the vertical blocks FC (face area) to beoccupied by a face of a person on the screen, that is, the object sceneis calculated according to equations 5 to 6.face 2=face1*L 2/L 1   [equation 5]

-   -   face1: length of a face of a person (constant: 30 cm)    -   face2: length of a face image formed on a light-receiving        surface        FC=16*face2/h   [equation 6]    -   h: a vertical size of the face image formed on the light        receiving surface

Referring to FIG. 18, on the assumption that a person (main object)having the face length of face1 exists at a position away from the zoomlens 12 by a distance L1, the length face 2, that is, the length of aface image projected on the light receiving surface is equal to a valuemultiplying the face1 by L2/L1. In addition, the number FC, that is, thenumber of the vertical blocks of the face area projected on the lightreceiving surface is equal to a value required by dividing the face 2 bythe vertical size h of the light receiving surface and multiplying thedivided value by “16”.

Returning to FIG. 15, the number of the vertical blocks FC calculated isdetermined in steps S149 and S151. If the number of the vertical blocksFC is lower than “2”, the number of the vertical blocks FC is set to “2”in a step S153 and then, the process proceeds to a step S156. In a casethe number of the vertical blocks FC is higher than “8”, the number ofthe vertical blocks FC is set to “8” in a step S155 and then, theprocess proceeds to the step S156. On the other hand, when a conditionof 2≦FC≦8 is satisfied, the process directly proceeds to the step S156.Thus, an area of the face area is set to in a range of 2 blocks×2 blocksto 8 blocks×8 blocks.

Variables Cin and Cout are set to “0” in the step S156, and the verticalposition number i and the horizontal position number j are set to “0” insteps S157 and S159, respectively. In a step S161, the integral valuesr(i,j), g(i,j), and b(i,j) set in the register rgst3, are read so as tocalculate color evaluation values R and G of the block (i,j) accordingto an equation 7.R=r(i,j)/(r(i,j)+g(i,j)+b(i,j))G=g(i,j)/(r(i,j)+g(i,j)+b(i,j))   [equation 7]

It is determined whether or not the calculated color evaluation values Rand B belong to a skin color area SKN shown in FIG. 19 in a step S163,and if “NO”, the process directly proceeds to a step S171. On the otherhand, if “YES” in the step S163, the process proceeds to a step S165 soas to determine whether or not the block (i,j) belong to the face areadefined by the size required in the steps S147 to S155. Morespecifically, it is determined whether or not both conditions shown inequations 8 and 9 are satisfied. Then, if both the conditions aresatisfied, the block (i,j) is determined to belong to the face area, andif any one of these conditions is not satisfied, it is determined theblock (i,j) does not belong to the face area.8−FC/2≦i≦7+FC/2   [equation 8]8−FC/2≦j≦7+FC/2   [equation 9]

According to the equations 8 and 9, the face area is formed in thecenter of the screen. For example, if FC=6, an area FACE diagonallyshaded in FIG. 20 is made to be the face area. If the block (i,j)belongs to such the face area, the variable Cin is incremented in a stepS167, and then, the process proceeds to the step S171 while if the block(i,j) does not belong to the face area, the variable Cout is incrementedin a step S169, and then, the process proceeds to the step S171.

The horizontal position number j is incremented in the step S171, andthe incremented horizontal position number j is compared with “16” in astep S173. Then, for j<16, the process returns to the step S161 whilefor j=16, the process proceeds to a step S175. The vertical positionnumber i is incremented in the step S175, and the incremented verticalposition number i is compared with “16” in a step S177. Then, for i<16,the process returns to the step S159 while for i=16, the processproceeds to a step S179. By executing such a process, the variable Cinindicates the number of skin color blocks belonging to the face area,and the variable Cout indicates the number of skin color blocks notbelonging to the face area.

In the step S179, a possibility Pptrt that the object scene is theportrait scene is calculated according to an equation 10. When thepossibility Pptrt is calculated, the process is restored to an upperhierarchical level of a routine.Pptrt=(Cin−Cour*n)/FC ²*100   [equation 10]

-   -   n: constant

The larger the number of the skin color blocks belonging to the facearea is, the higher the possibility that the object is a face of aperson is, and the smaller the number of the skin color blocks belongingto the face area is, the lower the possibility that the object is theface of the person is. It is noted that larger the number of the skincolor blocks belonging to an area except for the face area, the lowerthe possibility that the object is the face of the person is. This is areason why a multiplied value required by multiplying the variable Coutby the constant n is subtracted from the variable Cin. On the otherhand, FC² is the total number of the blocks belonging to the face area.When the subtracted value is divided by the total number of the blocks,and the divided value is multiplied by “100”, the possibility Pptrt thatis a possibility of the object scene being the portrait scene isrequired as a percentage. It is noted that when photographing a scene inwhich a person exists in the center of the screen as shown in FIG. 21,the possibility Pptrt indicates a high numeral value.

The possibility determination process in the step S25 shown in FIG. 6complies with a subroutine shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. First, avariable Css is set to “0” in a step S181, the vertical position numberi is set to “0” in a step S183, and the horizontal position number j isset to “0” in a step S185. It is determined whether or not the verticalposition number i and the horizontal position number j satisfyconditions of 6≦i≦9 and 6≦j≦9, respectively in a step S187. Then, ifneither condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to a step S197while at least any one of the conditions is satisfied, the processproceeds to a step S189.

In the step S189, the integral values r(i,j), g(i,j), and b(i,j) set inthe register rgst3 are read, and the color evaluation values R and G ofthe block (i,j) are calculated according to the above-describedequation. It is determined whether or not the calculated colorevaluation values R and G belong to the evening scene color area EVENdiagonally shaded in FIG. 27 in a step S191, and if “NO” is determined,the process proceeds to a step S195 while if “YES” is determined, theprocess proceeds to a step S193. In the step S193, the integral valuey(i,j) set in the register rgst3 is read, and it is determined whetheror not the integral value y(i,j) is a high luminance value. Morespecifically, it is determined whether or not the integral value y(i,j)is higher than a threshold value Yth2. Then, if y(i,j)≦Yth2, the processdirectly proceeds to a step S197 while if y(i,j)>Yth2, the variable Cssis incremented in the step S195 and then, the process proceeds to thestep 197.

The horizontal position number j is incremented in the step S197, andthe incremented horizontal position number j is compared with “16” in astep S201. If j<16, the process returns to the step S187 while if j=16,the process proceeds to the step S201. The vertical position number i isincremented in the step S201, and the incremented vertical positionnumber i is compared with “16” in a step S203. Then, if i<16, theprocess returns to the step S185 while if i=16, the process proceeds toa step S205.

By executing such the process, a determination process whether theevening scene color or not and a determination process whether highluminance or not are performed as to each of blocks forming a cross areaCRS1 diagonally shaded in FIG. 25. The variable Css indicates the numberof the blocks having the evening scene color and the high luminancevalue.

In the step S205 shown in FIG. 23, the peripheral luminance valuesYupper, Ylower Yleft and Yright are set to “0”, respectively. Thevertical position number i and the horizontal position number j are setto “0” in steps S207 and S209, respectively. It is determined whether ornot a condition of 0≦i≦1 is satisfied in a step S211, it is determinedwhether or not a condition of 14≦i≦15 is satisfied in a step S215, it isdetermined whether or not a condition of 0≦j≦1 is satisfied in a stepS219 and it is determined whether or not 14≦j≦15 is satisfied in a stepS225.

If “YES” is determined in the step S211, the process proceeds to a stepS213 so as to add the integral value y(i,j) stored in the register rgst3to the peripheral luminance value Yupper. If “YES” is determined in thestep S215, the process proceeds to the step S217 so as to add theintegral value y(i,j) stored in the register rgst3 to the peripheralluminance value Ylower. If “YES” is determined in the step S219, theprocess proceeds to a step S221 so as to add the integral value y(i,j)stored in the register rgst3 to the peripheral luminance value Yleft. If“YES” is determined in the step S225, the process proceeds to a stepS227 so as to add the integral value y(i,j) stored in the register rgst3to the peripheral luminance value Yright.

The horizontal position number j is incremented in a step S229, and theincremented horizontal position number j is compared with “16” in a stepS231. Then, if j<16, the process returns to the step S211 while if j=16,the process proceeds to a step S233. The vertical position number i isincremented in the step S233, and the incremented vertical positionnumber i is compared with “16” in a step S235. Then, if i<16, theprocess returns to the step S209 while if i=16, the process proceeds toa step S237.

The peripheral luminance values Yupper, Ylower Yleft and Yright requiredby such the process respectively indicate luminance of peripheral areasPER2 a, PER2 b, PER2 c and PER2 d indicated by oblique lines and heavylines in FIG. 26.

In the step S237, a difference between the peripheral luminance valuesYupper and Ylower is detected, and it is determined whether or not aluminance difference between upper and lower of the screen is large onthe basis of the difference. In a step S239, a difference between theperipheral luminance values Yleft and Yright is detected, and it isdetermined whether or not a luminance difference between right and leftof the screen is large on the basis of the difference. Morespecifically, it is determined whether or not a condition of an equation11 is satisfied in the step S237, and it is determined whether or not acondition of an equation 12 is satisfied in the step S239.|Yupper−Ylowr|>Yth3   [equation 11]|Yleft−Yright|>Yth4   [equation 12]

Then, if neither conditions of the equations 11 and 12 is satisfied, theprocess proceeds to a step S241, and a possibility Peven that is apossibility of the object scene being the evening scene is set to “0”.On the other hand, if at least any one of the conditions of theequations 11 and 12 is satisfied, the possibility Peven is calculatedaccording to an equation 13 in a step S243. After completion of theprocess in the step S241 or S243, the process is restored to an upperhierarchical level of a routine.Peven=Css/112*100   [equation 13]

The number of the blocks forming the cross area CRS1 shown in FIG. 25 is“112”, and the variable Css is the number of the blocks having theevening scene color and the high luminance value out of the blocksforming the cross area CRS1. Accordingly, if the variable Css is dividedby “112” and the divided value is multiplied by “100”, the possibilityPeven is required as a percentage. It is noted that when photographing ascene in which the evening sun is set to the mountain as shown in FIG.28, the possibility Peven indicates a high numeral value.

The possibility determination process in the step S27 shown in FIG. 6complies with a subroutine shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30. First, aluminance sum value Ysum is set to “0” in a step S251, the verticalposition number i is set to “0” in a step S253, and the horizontalposition number j is set to “0” in a step S255. In a step S257, theintegral value y(i,j) is read from the register rgst3, and the integralvalue y(i,j) is added to the luminance sum value Ysum.

The horizontal position number j is incremented in a step S259, and theincremented horizontal position number j is compared with “16” in a stepS261. Then, if j<16, the process returns to the step S257 while if j=16,the process proceeds to a step S263. The vertical position number i isincremented in the step S263, and the incremented vertical positionnumber i is compared with “16” in a step S265. Then, if i<16, theprocess returns to the step S255 while if i=16, a luminance averagevalue Yavr is calculated according to an equation 14.Yavr=Ysum/256   [equation 14]

By repeating the steps S255 to S265, the luminance sum value Ysumindicates a sum of the integral values y(i,j) set in the register rgst3.Since the total number of the blocks formed on the screen is 256, theluminance average value required by the equation 14 indicates an averageluminance of the screen.

The variable Cni is set to “0” in a step S269, the vertical positionnumber i is set to “0” in a step S271, and the horizontal positionnumber j is set to “0” in a step S273. In a step S275, the integralvalues y(i,j) are read from the register rgst3, and it is determinedwhether or not the integral value y(i,j) satisfies a condition of anequation 15.y(i,j)>Yavr*m   [equation 15]

-   -   m: constant

If the condition shown in the equation 15 is not satisfied, the processdirectly proceeds to a step S279 while if the condition shown in theequation 15 is satisfied, the variable Cni is incremented in a step S277and then, the process proceeds to the step S279.

The horizontal position number j is incremented in the step S279, andthe incremented horizontal position number j is compared with “16” in astep S281. Then, if j<16, the process proceeds to the step S275 while ifj=16, the process proceeds to a step S283. The vertical position numberi is incremented in the step S283 while the incremented verticalposition number i is compared with “16” in a step S285. Then, if i<16,the process returns to the step S273 while if i=16, the process proceedsto a step S287.

By repeating the steps S273 to S285, the integral values y(i,j) of allthe blocks forming the screen are compared with a multiplied valuerequired by multiplying the luminance average value Yavr by the constantm. The variable Cni is equal to the number of the high luminance blocksin which the integral value y(i,j) exceeds the multiplied value out of256 of blocks forming the screen.

The luminance average value Yavr is compared with a threshold valueYnight in the step S287, and if Yarv≧Ynight, a possibility Pnight thatis a possibility of the object scene being the night scene is set to “0”in a step S289. On the other hand, if Yavr<Ynigt, the variable Cni iscompared with a threshold value Cmax in a step S291. Then, if Cni≦Cmax,the process directly proceeds to a step S295 while if Cni>Cmax, thevariable Cni is set to the threshold value Cmax in a step S293 and then,the process proceeds to the step S295. The possibility Pnight iscalculated according to an equation 16 in the step S295. Aftercompletion of the step S289 or the step S295, the process is restored toan upper hierarchical level of a routine.Pnight=Cni/Cmax*100   [equation 16]

If the luminance average value is low, the object scene has apossibility of being the night scene. Accordingly, if a condition ofYavr<Ynight is satisfied, an operation of the equation 16 is performed.The variable Cni noticed under a situation of the average value Yavrbeing adequately low is regarded as the number of the high luminancearea dotted in the night scene. Furthermore, in a case that a luminancein an area except for the high-luminance area is considerably low, theprocess proceeds to the step S295 despite the fact that the more thehigh luminance area is, the larger the luminance average value Yavr is.Accordingly, by placing emphasis on the variable Cni relating to a sizeof the high luminance area, in an operation executed under a situationthe luminance average value Yavr is adequately low, a possibility Pnight of the object scene being the night scene is required. It is notedthat when photographing a crowd of high-rise buildings in which lightsof windows are doted as shown in FIG. 31, the possibility Pnightindicates a high numeral value.

As understood from the above-description, at a time of determining thepossibility of the sports scene, a ratio of an object having a movingamount which exceeds the threshold value Yth1 to the center area CTR1 ofthe object scene is detected as the variable Cctr (S107 to S111), and aratio of an object having a moving amount which exceeds the thresholdvalue Yth1 to the peripheral area PER1 of the object scene is detectedas the variable Cper (S126 to S129). The photographing mode is decidedon the basis of the detected respective ratios (S139, S29). Morespecifically, when a difference between the respective ratios is large,the photographing mode is set to the sports mode. When the shutterbutton 54 is operated, the object scene is photographed by a determinedphotographing mode (S39).

How the object moves in the peripheral area of the object scene and howthe object moves in the center area of the object scene are clues fordetermining the object scene. This is the reason why, the photographingmode corresponding to the object scene is set on the basis of a firstratio detected in the peripheral area and a second ratio detected in thecenter area in this embodiment. Thus, operability of the camera isimproved.

According to the operation of the equation 4 executed in the step S139shown in FIG. 12, at a time a movement in the center of the screen isintensive, a possibility Psprt of the object scene being the sportsscene becomes high. However, in the sports scene, there is a case thatthe shutter button is operated with placing the main object in thecenter of the screen by performing panning. Accordingly, a computingequation in which a numeral value is large when a movement in theperipheral area is more intensive than in the center area may be adoptedin place of the equation 4 or in combination with the equation 4.

At a time of determining the possibility of the night scene, the averageluminance of the object scene is detected (S267), and a ratio of thehigh luminance area to the object scene is detected (S271 to S285). Thephotographing mode is determined on the basis of the detected averageluminance and ratio (S289, S295, S29). More specifically, thephotographing mode is set to the night mode at a time of small inaverage luminance and high in ratio. The object scene is photographed bythe determined photographing mode (S39).

The average luminance of the object scene and the ratio of the highluminance area to the object scene are clues for determining of theobject scene. This is a reason why the photographing mode is determinedon the basis of the detected average luminance and ratio in thisembodiment. This improves operability of the camera.

At a time of determining the possibility of the evening scene, a ratioof the high luminance evening scene color area to the cross area CRS1formed on the object scene is detected (S195), and a luminancedifference between the periphery areas opposed with each other isdetected (S237, S239). The photographing mode is determined on the basisof the detected ratio and luminance difference (S241, S243, S29). Morespecifically, the photographing mode is set to the evening scene mode ata time of large in luminance difference and high in ratio. The objectscene is photographed in the determined photographing mode (S39).

A ratio of the high luminance evening scene area occupied to a definedarea formed in the object scene in a cross shape and the luminancedifference between peripheral areas opposed with each other in theobject scene becomes clues for determining the object scene. This is thereason why a photographing mode corresponding to the object scene is seton the basis of the detected ratio and the luminance difference in thisembodiment. Thus, ease of operation of the camera is improved.

At a time of determining the possibility of the portrait scene, thedistance L1 to the main object existing in the object scene isdetermined on the basis of the positions of zoom lens 12 and the focuslens 14 (S141, S143), and the distance L2 between the focus lens 14 andthe image sensor 20 is determined on the basis of the position of thefocus lens 14 (S145). The face area to be occupied by a face of a personon the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 14 is specified onthe basis of the distances L1 and the distance L2 (S147 to S155). On theother hand, the skin color area of the object scene is detected on thebasis of the integral values r(i,j), g(i,j), and b(i,j) (S163). Thephotographing mode is determined on the basis of the size of the skincolor area included in the face area and the size of the skin color areaexcept for the face area (S179, S29). If the possibility Pptrtcalculated based on each of sizes is the largest, the photographing modeis determined to be the portrait mode. The object scene is photographedby the determined photographing mode (S39).

Thus, since the photographing mode is determined on the basis of arelation between the face area specified based on the distance L1 to themain object and the skin color area of the object scene, it is possibleto improve operability of the camera.

It is noted that although a description is made utilizing a digitalcamera in this embodiment, it is needless to say that the presentinvention can be applied to a video camera in an analog format or asilver salt film camera.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

1. A camera performing photographing in accordance with a photographingmode corresponding to an object scene when a photographing operation isperformed, comprising: a first ratio detector which detects a firstratio of movement of an object exceeding a first threshold value in amoving amount in a center area of said object scene; a second ratiodetector which detects a second ratio of movement of an object exceedinga second threshold value in the moving amount in a peripheral area ofsaid object scene; a determiner which determines the highest probabilitythat the object scene is one of a plurality of object scene types basedon the first ratio of movement and the second ratio of movementrespectively detected by said first ratio detector and said second ratiodetector; and a selector which selects the photographing mode based onthe highest probability that the object scene is one of the plurality ofobject scene types determined by said determiner.
 2. A camera accordingto claim 1, wherein said selector selects a sports mode as thephotographing mode when a difference between the first ratio of movementand the second ratio of movement is large.
 3. A camera according toclaim 1, further comprising: a first fetcher which fetches a first imagesignal of said object scene photographed just before the photographingoperation is performed; a second fetcher which fetches a second imagesignal of said object scene photographed immediately after thephotographing operation is performed; and a difference detector whichdetects a difference between the first image signal and the second imagesignal as the moving amount.
 4. A camera according to claim 1, furthercomprising an outputter which outputs a message corresponding to aphotographing mode selected by said selector.
 5. A photographing modedetermining method of a camera which performs photographing when thephotographing operation is performed, comprising steps of: (a) detectinga first ratio of movement of an object exceeding a first threshold valuein a moving amount in a center area of an object scene; (b) detecting asecond ratio of movement of an object exceeding a second threshold valuein the moving amount in a peripheral area of said object scene; (c)determining highest probability that the object scene is one of aplurality of object scene types based on the first ratio of movement andthe second ratio of movement respectively detected by said step (a) andsaid step (b); and (d) selecting the photographing mode based on thehighest probability that the object scene is one of the plurality ofobject scene types determined by said step (c).
 6. A camera performingphotographing in accordance with a photographing mode corresponding toan object scene when a photographing operation is performed, comprising:a first ratio detector which detects a first ratio of movement of anobject exceeding a first threshold value in a moving amount in a centerarea of said object scene; a second ratio detector which detects asecond ratio of movement of an object exceeding a second threshold valuein the moving amount in a peripheral area of said object scene; adeterminer which determines the highest probability that the objectscene is one of a plurality of object scene types based on first ratioof movement and the second ratio of movement respectively detected bysaid first ratio detector and said second ratio detector; and a selectorwhich selects the photographing mode based on the highest probabilitythat the object scene is one of the plurality of object scene typesdetermined by said determiner; wherein the first ratio and the secondratio correspond to a ratio of movement change between a first timeperiod and a second time period.